Dangal actress Suhani Bhatnagar dies at the age of 19 from a rare disease, father reveals details
Suhani Bhatnagar, known for her role as young Babita Phogat in the Aamir Khan-starrer blockbuster 'Dangal' (2016), passed away on Friday at the age of 19.
Suhani Bhatnagar, popularly known for her portrayal of young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan's Dangal, passed away at the age of 19 on Friday. The actor's news came as a big shock to everyone. On Saturday, hours after news of Suhani's death emerged online, her father spoke to the media about his daughter. According to information obtained by news agency PTI, Suhani's father said the 19-year-old was suffering from dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disease that causes skin rashes and muscle weakness.
Suhani Bhatnagar was hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi on February 7 and died on February 16 due to medical complications. “About two months ago she developed a red spot on her hands. We thought it was an allergy and consulted doctors at various hospitals in Faridabad, but the diagnosis could not be made. When her condition started deteriorating, we admitted her to AIIMS. But there was no improvement and her lungs were damaged due to the accumulation of excess fluid,” Suhani's father Sumit Bhatnagar told reporters.
Suhani took a break from acting after her performance in Dangal. The actor used to live in Faridabad with her family. According to media reports, the actor's last rites took place at Ajronda cremation ground in Delhi on Saturday. After the news of Suhani's death emerged online, Aamir Khan was the first to react to the news. Actor's production house 'Aamir Khan Production' took to Our sincere condolences to her mother Poojaji and the entire family. Such a talented young girl and such a team player, Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani. Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts. May you rest in peace.”
Later, Dangal's director Nitesh Tiwari also mourned Suhani's death: “Suhani's demise is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking. She was such a happy soul, so full of life. My deepest condolences to her family,” he said in a statement. Zaira, Kiran Rao and Yami Gautam also reacted to Suhani's death.
Suhani's performance in Dangal was adored by the audience. After Dangal, Suhani appeared in a number of TV commercials after which she took a break from her acting career to focus on her career. Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra portrayed the older versions of the two Phogat sisters, while Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar portrayed their younger counterparts.